St John's Catholic Primary School
Banbury, OX16 9YA · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
167th of 230 primary schools in Oxfordshire we can score, 244 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 3,755 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6/10 among them, against 3.2/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St John's Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6 out of 10 among them, against 3.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access swimming lessons, a wide range of musical instruments including guitar, piano, and saxophone, and participate in African Drumming Days. The school also hosts author visits and theatre trips, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 216 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is provided for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in literacy? How are the various music and arts activities scheduled within the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about St John's Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils are proud to attend St John’s Catholic Primary School, where they demonstrate respect, thoughtfulness, and resilience. The school fosters a positive culture with high aspirations, ensuring pupils behave well and engage enthusiastically in a broad curriculum. Leaders have established effective routines and a strong focus on reading, creating an environment where pupils feel happy and supported.
Strengths
- Pupils show "respect and thoughtfulness," with bullying being rare and quickly resolved by staff.
- Leaders have adopted a "suitably broad and ambitious curriculum," particularly effective in mathematics where pupils build on prior knowledge.
- Reading is "at the heart of the curriculum," with secure phonics teaching and support for struggling readers.
- Staff maintain "high expectations" and clear routines, resulting in orderly and respectful behaviour in lessons.
- Personal development is supported through opportunities to develop social skills, debate issues, and participate in house competitions.
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to develop teachers’ knowledge to adapt the curriculum so it meets the needs of all pupils, as some struggle to secure knowledge in a minority of subjects.
- Curriculum thinking in some foundation subjects must be refined to link important knowledge between topics, ensuring pupils build a "deep enough understanding" of concepts.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving high-quality training, making swift referrals when needed, and maintaining diligent safer recruitment practices.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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